Following this week’s debate in parliament I have today written to Mr Sharma MP to ask him to support the campaign to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland and I have a wide range of co-signatories, if you would like to add your name do get in touch. No woman takes …
Across Reading there are local elections this Thursday 3rd May. It is vital we elect Labour councillors to stand up for our communities. [wpvideo NQEfEVOO] I am standing for reelection in Whitley, I’ve been proud to represent the community for the last 8 years. If you live in Whitley ward …
Reading Community Energy Society gives grants every year to help improve energy efficiency in the community. They have £3,000 to give each year at present and we are inviting applicants to apply. Individual applications can be up to £1,000. As one of the board members of Reading Community Energy Society …
I am very proud to be Labour’s candidate for the next general election in Reading West. I will work every day for Reading West, my home town. I am determined to demonstrate that Labour’s message of hope will make a real difference to our area. The people of Reading West …
Today I am having a special day with my children and also thankful for my own mum, who because of her work today and my parliamentary selection yesterday I’m not able to see this weekend. But I am also sparing a thought of all those for whom Mothering Sunday doesn’t …
Earlier this week I received, at last, an initial letter replying to the petition that Whitley Labour branch organised against the bedroom tax from Alok Sharma, then a shortlived housing minister, now at the Department for Work and Pensions. I was surprised it had taken so long to reply – …
In my speech last night at full council I focused on the government’s abandonment of adult social care and how we are responding in Reading. If you click on the link you can watch all of our speeches. The text of my speech is below: I know no councillor in …
Over the last week I’ve been digesting the last change of the ‘ACS’ (or is it ACO’) to the ‘ICO’ in our NHS and how this relates to the STPs and CCGs. I’ve come to the conclusion it is a branding exercise and the fundamental issues haven’t changed. If you …
We all know reading is important. But it was truly shocking to read today of the impact that poor literacy has on children. This is not just an economic and social issue – it is a vital health issue. Research out today shows that life expectancy is 26 years shorter …
At yesterday’s new economic models conference it was really positive to see the leadership of the Labour party fully committed to growing the Cooperative sector. Of course it is the Cooperative answers to some of the problems currently facing larger businesses in the economy that have got the headlines. However …
At today’s FGM Zero Tolerance Conference organised by the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality it was striking how determined and united everyone was to end FGM. I know that many people across Reading also want to help end this awful practice. We identified several ways that people can help. …
I’m really proud of the services that Reading Council offers to older and disabled residents in our town. Despite the unbelievable levels of austerity that we face and the increases in population our dedicated staff makea real difference t opeoples lives. That comes across in regular inspections from the Care …
Today 100 years ago the Royal Assent was given to allow the first women to vote. Of course it was only one step on a longer journey towards equality that we are still on. Particularly for women of colour, disabled women, lesbian, bi and transgender women and for working class …
Alongside fellow Reading Labour members, including a strong young Labour presence I joined the Emergency NHS march yesterday. In some ways it was uplifting because of the unity of the campaigners, the solidarity and our belief in the NHS. But it was also saddening that of all the things that …
Tackling loneliness is one of the great causes of our time. It’s not been the most fashionable cause but it can affect can affect any of us and it is something I@m really passionate about tackling. The work nationally of the Jo Cox loneliness commission highlighting the importance of this we …
Today is known a “Blue Monday” – a date that is supposed to be the most miserable day of the year. It’s a so-called scientific formula based on likely weather, debt/money worries, post Christmas lull, the failing in new year’s resolutions, and motivational levels. Of course anyone who either has …
When I took the training to become a dementia friend a couple of years ago it struck me that many of the things that go to making a ‘dementia friend’ are also things that make you someone a more socially aware and kind member of the community for everyone regardless …
If you are Whitley resident the latest edition of the Whitley Labour Councillor’s newsletter Whitley News will be going through your door in the coming couple of weeks. You can download it here We are very grateful to the lovely volunteers and supporters who donate and deliver this, social media …
I’m just back from Reading Labour’s second session of the day reminding commuters and other train passengers about our manifesto commitment to bring the railways back into public ownership. Labour’s plan for our railways would mean we could cap fares, ensure proper investment and improve services. The Conservatives seem to …
Lots of us look for a new start in the New Year in one way or another, but there are some young people in Reading who definitely need help with a new start. I am privileged to know some amazing foster carers including a very good friend who makes a …
It is easy to forget all that happens in a year. This one has despite everything had so many highlights for our local Labour team – these pics from my instagram feed were a good reminder: Tea and cake with Jeremy Corbyn, out and about in Whitley for ‘talktober’, the …
I’m delighted to be able to share that Reading Borough Council’s service at 188 Whitley Wood Lane – Respite Care for residents with learning disabilities has been once again been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). “Like the rest of the country, Reading faces huge challenges to ensure we …
Today a report by the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission, co-chaired (following her murder) by Rachel Reeves, estimated that 9 million adults are lonely. It’s a national crisis that has direct impacts not just on quality of life but also on mental and physical health. That’s why Reading’s Health and Wellbeing …
Today I was pleased to open the event that marked National Carers Rights Day. In Reading alone, it is estimated that over 12,000 people provide some form of unpaid care for a friend, relative, or neighbour, who would not be able to cope without their support. The council and local …
It shouldn’t have been hard for today’s budget to exceed expectations – given the mess this government is in they were incredibly low, and given Philip Hammond’s reputation he should have been able to promise some support. I was following the announcements hoping for relief for under-paid public sector workers …
Yesterday it was a delight to attend the unveiling of a plaque to Phoebe Cusden, and I was particularly struck by Robert Dimmick’s speech. He’s kindly allowed me to reproduce it here: Phoebe Cusden was a person of wide and varied interests and commitments, to peace, to her own community, …
My darling son, I called you my little man when you were small. Now you want to be seen as a big boy. But one day you will be a grown man. I have so many hopes for your future. You have brought me joy since the day you were …
As Chair of the Access and Disabilities Group, I’m always keen to make sure that we make our town as welcoming a place for people of all ages and abilities. Sadly in recent years a lot of time of this group has been taken up with ways to mitigate government …
Over the last few months Labour Councillors in Reading have been asking more and more questions in public and private about the ‘Accountable Care System’ (see this blog from Tony Jones in July) that is starting to emerge from the NHS in the West of Berkshire. Our area has, without …
Over the last couple of months a group of women and men have started to come together to make 2018 a celebration of 100 years of women having the vote. We want to make this both a celebration of that event but also mark the progress that has been made …
It is hugely dispiriting to see teachers and pupils using their half term to protest the cuts to school budgets. It’s an issue across the country and here in Reading there are some particularly stark statistics. Schools like the John Madjeski Acadamy that serves Whitley are particularly hard hit – …
Last night’s full council had a large portion of the agenda taken by the important discussion about the future of the Central Club site. The stand out speech of the night was Cllr Sophia James responding to the petition, you can read her speech here but I would recommend watching it on …
Today is Social Saturday a celebration of all things Cooperative and Social Enterprise. I believe that Cooperatives and Social Enterprises need to play a bigger part in our economy if we are truly going to achieve social justice and innovate to meet the needs of tomorrow. I am fortunate that …
7 and a half years ago I held my baby daughter in my arms. A lot has changed since then but one thing that hasn’t is the fierce love I felt then and feel now for her. It is fierce because it is strong but it is also because I …
Today is World Mental Health Day and later in the week I’ll be speaking at two community events to help break down the stigma associated with discussing our mental health. However we also need to make sure that we reflect this in the work place, including our public services. We …
I was delighted that yesterday Matt Rodda MP pledged his support to the campaign to scrap the bedroom tax. Matt joined Labour members, local councillors and local residents in calling on the new housing minister, the current Conservative MP for Reading West, Alok Sharma to scrap the bedroom tax. Matt …
My first reaction to hearing that Theresa May plans to talk about needing to increase council house building in her speech today was a hollow laugh. Throughout the general election campaign housing and the glaring need for council housing came up in my home of Reading West and in the …
Today the Red Cross issued a report praising Reading’s Health and Wellbeing board’s approach to tackling loneliness and social isolation. I’m proud that we’re prioritising this and of the work that we’re doing in Reading as a town to make our town a friendly place. There are all sorts of …
Today I attended the Local Government Association’s national board meeting on Health and Social Care. Along with 6 other Labour councillors from around the country my role is to put forward Labour’s agenda for health and social care on a cross-party board which is currently chaired by a Conservative. Full …
I was glad to speak to Thames Valley TV today about how we’ll be celebrating Older People’s Day in Reading. Older people make a tremendous contribution to the local community. We hold an annual event that aims to celebrate these achievements and offer residents a chance to try a …
Today is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. The theme this year is ‘take a minute, change a life’. We all can help someone whether they are just ‘feeling down’ or at risk of death from suicide by taking a moment and asking if they are OK. This week we’re being …
That yesterday it was revealed that an estimated 4 million people are waiting for surgery on our NHS is an outrage but it reflects what we all know on the ground: our doctors, nurses and midwives are working harder than ever, but they are being held back by a government …
I’m really pleased to say that the council has published the consultation results from looking at the future of Focus House, a residential care home in Reading for people who are recovering from mental health issues. I am determined that as the government continues to attack our health and social …
We all were shocked and appalled last week by the terrible fire in the Grenfell Tower that has killed so many people in Kensington and naturally the Reading community has stepped up to help, from residents collecting through to our Mayor speaking to the council’s emergency planning department asking that …
I was originally going to publish this on Tuesday but due to the awful terrorist attack in Manchester I delayed as all candidates have been avoiding campaigning. However I believe this issue is so vital I wanted to publish is now that campaigning has restarted. When the dementia tax was …
On 8 June we face a huge choice. Our country is at a crucial moment and I believe that we need a strong voices in parliament. This is my message to residents: “If I was elected in Wantage I would put you first. If you elect me I promise to stand …
———- Forwarded message ———-From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>Date: 3 Feb 2017 15:01Subject: Government Cuts Force Council Tax RisesTo: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>Cc: Government Cuts Force Council Tax Rises 03/02/2017 Reading Borough Council Press Release READING Borough Council is recommending a 4.99% Council Tax increase for next year. It follows repeated and unprecedented cuts …
It is an uncomfortable feeling to have been speaking to open Carers' Rights day at the same time as considering how we deal with the social care funding crisis that the government has done nothing to tackle. It is hugely disappointing that the government has again failed to invest in …
———- Forwarded message ———-From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>Date: 16 Nov 2016 10:05Subject: Reading Borough Council Publishes NHS Local Sustainable Transformation PlanTo: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>Cc: Reading Borough Council Publishes NHS Local Sustainable Transformation Plan 16/11/2016 Reading Borough Council Press Release Reading Borough Council today (Nov 16) becomes the latest local authority to publish …
Great news all round: ———- Forwarded message ———-From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>Date: 4 Oct 2016 11:06 a.m.Subject: Council’s Community Equipment Recycling Drive Yields Fantastic ResultsTo: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>Cc: Council’s Community Equipment Recycling Drive Yields Fantastic Results 04/10/2016 Reading Borough Council Press Release READING Borough Council’s drive to recover and recycle used community …
Very proud of Reading Council staff ———- Forwarded message ———-From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>Date: 3 Oct 2016 1:37 p.m.Subject: Reading Council Celebrates ‘Good’ Rating for Shared Lives Scheme from InspectorsTo: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>Cc: Reading Council Celebrates ‘Good’ Rating for Shared Lives Scheme from Inspectors 03/10/2016 Reading Borough Council Press Release READING COUNCIL’S …
See below: Reading Borough Council Press Release A NEW online resource for carers in Berkshire launched this month to support them in their caring role. It is free to use and includes a number of useful online resources, including specially tailored Apps, guides and training courses, such as: Jointly – …
HE COUNCIL and its local partners are inviting people to help shape the future of Mental Health Services in Reading. A consultation is launching this week which aims to help inform how Reading’s Mental Health Day Services are delivered. The consultation is particularly relevant for people with professional and personal …
I'm really proud of the commitment of Reading Council and Reading Labour to renewable energy and it's something I've seen the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Reading's community in again and again as the government has kept changing the goal posts. Way back 2010 at my second council meeting I …
I’m chairing a ‘Big Conversation’ event on Wednesday afternoon at st Laurence Church in Reading that aims to highlight the importance of talking more openly about dying, death and bereavement. The three-hour event will provide people with support on planning ahead – whether for family members or themselves – and …
